Roots (Spring/Summer 2014)

ROOTS Supporter Magazine

Spring/Summer 2014

IN THIS ISSUE… Ed Miliband Backs TCV Volunteering Impacts Green Gyms Grow Dora’s Marathon Story Training & Enterprise Green Quiz

Join in, feel good www.tcv.org.uk

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT US The Conservation Volunteers receive no core funding from the government to carry out our work supporting people and places. We rely entirely upon the generous help of our volunteers and supporters. Please help us continue to transform lives, communities and places everywhere.

THANK YOU! us

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DONATE – Either as a one-off or a regular donation, your gift will help our volunteers transform lives and places. www.tcv.org.uk/donate TEXT GIVING – To donate £3 by SMS, text TCV to 70444 So simple, see the back page for details and the QR code for smartphones SHOP – From seeds, plants and gardening tools to books and outdoor furniture, we have everything you need to transform your green place and it all goes towards improving lives of communities and people. www.tcv.org.uk/shop RECYCLE – We can help you dispose of your unwanted mobile phones, printer cartridges and even cars! We’ll reclaim the money to help continue our work.

Call us on 01302 388 883 FUNDRAISE – Get your local community together and we'll help you every step of the way to get involved, have fun and raise funds for us.

E-mail supportus@tcv.org.uk VOLUNTEER – Give the most valuable gift of all – your time. Join our volunteers and be the difference to your local area, helping others and having a great time! www.tcv.org.uk/volunteer

Find us on

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Inside this issue 4-5 ����� News/Volunteering Impacts Conference 6 ��������� Thank you Dora!

7 ��������� Getting Adrian back on track 8 ��������� Ed backs TCV volunteering projects 9 ��������� Help us grow in 2014!

10-12 �� Green Gym round-up 13 �������� Green Quiz

Word from Julie I always love reading Roots; it really energises me to read about all the great things we do together. I had exactly the same feeling when I visited Waterlow Park in Camden recently. The Park was gifted to the public in the last century so that people who didn’t have a garden had a place to connect with nature and their local community. Over a hundred years later, it’s still achieving this and the work TCV and The Friends of Waterlow Park carry out is testament to the power of volunteering.

It’s Localism in action!

I was there for the launch of our Volunteering Impacts project, looking at the impact of volunteering on many aspects of people’s lives. (See page 4 for more...) It will come as no surprise to know it found volunteering can help transform people’s health, job prospects and the places where they live and work. Now isn’t that a fantastic reason to get growing outdoors this weekend!

Julie Hopes CEO, The Conservation Volunteers

14 ������� Join In, Feel Good!

15 �������� Shop with us

As a charity, your support means the world; not just to us, but to the thousands of people and spaces we help sustain every day, come rain or shine. Your donation will help us grow in 2014.

TH A N K

YOU!

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VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering Impacts Conference Kristy Duncan, Green Impacts Project said: "The day was a wonderful opportunity for people to hear what volunteers have to say and experience the kind of work these wonderful individuals achieve.”

The beautiful surroundings of Waterlow Park in North London was setting for the Volunteering Impacts Conference this March. Delegates from government, the volunteer sector, academics and TCV gained valuable insights from a volunteers’ perspective, through case studies, reports and a short film featuring TCV volunteers sharing their experiences. Penge Green Gym’s case study offered the audience a tangible example of the power of volunteering for the wider community. The “Volunteering Impacts Award” recognised four TCV groups operating in London and acknowledged the contribution their participants and leaders have made.

Alongside, dozens of TCV volunteers worked on projects within the park, demonstrating how volunteering helps communities grow!

That’s really NEET! TCV guide thousands of disadvantaged young people into meaningful work every year and thanks to a £20,000 grant from the Freemasons’ Grand Charity we can do even more to support 16-19 year olds not in education training or employment (NEET’s) into jobs in land management.

In Camborne, Cornwall, this grant will provide extra one-to-one time with trainees and increased liaison with local employers, while in Wakefield, funds will provide a special ‘pre-course’ for those needing a higher level of support to help them grow.

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Copparders take to the trees at Sale!

Volunteers from Sale & Altrincham Mencap spent a rewarding day with TCV Manchester; learning to ‘coppard’ trees at Sale Water Park. Copparding is carried out higher in the tree than traditional coppicing or pollarding as the trees are under water. The volunteers cut regrowth from old willow stools to help the trees regrow. Sandra Hardingham from Mencap told us how much the day meant to the volunteers; saying they ‘had a fantastic time’; the smiles on everyone’s faces said it all!

Communities bloom in Belfast!

The name’s Pond, James Pond

Recipients of the recent ‘Belfast in Bloom’ awards from Belfast City Council have good reason to be ‘bloomin’ delighted!’ Winners include Musgrave Community Garden where TCV manage growing projects with local communities. The Friends of Grove Park scooped ‘Best Community Group’, having dedicated every Sunday working with us to develop a new community garden in Belfast.

‘Best Community Street’ was awarded to Belfast’s Park Parade, following a community planting scheme with TCV to help the community ‘meet the neighbours’; addressing social isolation and helping communities flourish.

Over 600 visitors had a frogtastic time this March at Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park’s annual Frog Day, celebrating all things amphibian. Visitors enjoyed pond dipping, frog-art, frog close-encounters, and garden pond games with advice on frog-friendly gardening. Highlight of the day was James Pond from the Amphibian Secret Service who presented prizes for three frog-themed quiz trails. This beautiful and important urban wetland supports a wide range of wildlife from frogs and dragonflies to bats and wildflowers. Find out more at www.tcv.org.uk/urbanecology

Got a great n s story for us this spriew ng?

Drop us an email to greatstories@tcv.o rg.uk and you could be feat ured in Roots! www.tcv.org.uk 5

Thank you Dora...

‘Pain is temporary but pride is forever.’ For Dora Drakopoulou, these words, inscribed near the ancient Olympic stadium in Athens, inspired her to finish the 2014 London Marathon; raising much needed funds to help us grow. Everyone who fundraises for TCV is a hero in our eyes, but Dora’s achievement is epic! Dora took up running, deciding it’s never too late to get fit. After finishing two half marathons she completed the original marathon course to Athens last year telling us; “it was mostly uphill and really tough!” Training for the London event, she pounded out the miles, come rain or shine at her local park.

Dora completed April’s London Marathon in 5.58 hours, slightly slower than her personal best, but thrilled to have made it. So far she’s raised £892.50 for TCV. She said; “Half the preparation is training but the other half is the support of the cheering crowds.” A massive thank you to Dora for going so many extra miles for us! There’s still time to help Dora hit the magic £1000 so why not donate at Dora’s giving page? http://uk.virginmoneygiving. com/TheodoraDrakopoulou

Feeling inspired to challenge yourself and raise money to support our work? Go to www.tcv.org.uk/getinvolved to find out how you can help us grow!

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TRAINING AND ENTERPRISE

Back on track - Adrian’s story Having someone to turn to at the toughest of times makes all the difference and for Adrian, TCV Employment & Training Services was the helping hand he desperately needed.

Railways are Adrian’s passion, so a career as a Train Conductor was a dream come true, but his life was derailed with a diagnosis of adult epilepsy. As his health deteriorated, Adrian was forced to give up work and found himself struggling with daily life. Losing hope, he turned to TCV Sheffield where he received support, and regained a sense of normality; enrolling on the C&G Employability & Personal Development course last autumn. Despite constant seizures, sleep problems and battles with medication, Adrian still attended each session and maintained a determination not to let his condition define him. He’s continued his studies, which has seen his confidence transformed; completing his Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English. Adrian’s made such brilliant progress, he now volunteers to help others on TCV’s training programmes. Nominated for ‘Learner of the Year’ at Central College Nottingham, Adrian’s incredible journey is living embodiment of his fortitude and of what TCV can do to help people grow!

It’s ready, steady….WORK for Tasha.

Tasha Harper spent 18 months out of work prior to joining TCV Employment & Training Services on the Work Programme. Although she was making a high volume of applications she found that her applications were often being ignored by employers.

Tasha’s Employment Advisor with TCV provided additional support by teaching her how to build tailored CV’s and by keeping her motivated during her journey back to work. When TCV made an introduction to Aldi, Tasha went on to attend an interview and a short work trial before landing a part time job as Stock Operative at Aldi in Swindon.

Tasha tells us that working has had a wonderful impact on her life and how her social life has also improved. “Before this opportunity I didn’t want to get out of bed in the morning, now I have a reason to get up each day. It feels really, really good!” www.tcv.org.uk 7

TCV is a “brilliant organisation”, says Ed Miliband!

Labour leader Ed Miliband warmly praised the work of TCV, saying our volunteers’ work benefited both themselves and the wider community, whilst visiting TCV volunteer teams in April. Mr Miliband spoke when he met volunteers at St Catherine’s House (part of Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust) who were working on 2 sites on the grounds, clearing paths and planting trees. Mr Miliband was accompanied by TCV CEO, Julie Hopes, Richard Desmond, founder of the Health Lottery which funds some of TCV’s work in the region and Andy Clarke, CEO of Asda.

Mr Miliband said: “ I think this is a brilliant project. It’s engaging volunteers, making a difference here to the mental health trust and to the grounds. So it’s got a double benefit; it’s engaging people from a whole range of backgrounds who are volunteering; which is good for them, and it’s good for the community as well. So I think everybody involved in this project deserves many congratulations. I think there’s a wider lesson here about health which is that the NHS has an incredibly important role in improving the health of the nation but there’s also other preventative work that can be done to actually improve the health outcomes of the country. And it’s projects like this that can make a difference.”

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Help us Grow!

Spring has awakened the land, re-engaging us with our green spaces. But this year, as austerity strips hope and prospects from communities, funding for our services is at an all-time low! TCV have been cultivating growth for people and spaces for nearly 55 years, and this spring, we’re asking you to Help Us Grow. Because when we grow, we can continue supporting people and communities. We can revitalise more lives and prospects. We can help people and spaces turn a new leaf - from Elgin to Eastbourne this year!

Grow for it this spring!

Now the growing season has begun in earnest, whatever you’re sowing this spring, why not plant it for TCV! Whether you’re planting your garden, allotment or open space, make a donation to help us grow! We’d love to hear all about what you’re doing - send your stories and photos to supportus@tcv.org.uk and we’ll share them for everybody to enjoy. Be the inspiration for even more people to get outdoors and get growing! Put the colour into spring by making a donation today to Help Us Grow in 2014! www.tcv.org.uk/getinvolved/donate www.facebook.com/theconservationvolunteers

Your donation can do so much: £10 can provide vital tools for a conservation volunteer £25 will pay for an educational session teaching kids about the environment £50 will help safeguard wildlife habitats, allowing nature to thrive £100 could provide over 60 tree saplings and the tree-guards that will help them grow £250 will provide vital specialist skills training to help our volunteers grow www.tcv.org.uk 9

GREEN GYM NEWS

Our ‘Natural Health service’ continues to help people and spaces grow across the length and breadth of the UK. Join in, feel good at your local Green Gym® today!

Grow2Play with Discover Me! A fantastic new programme supported by Inspiring Scotland’s Go2Play strategy, delivered by TCV Scotland will provide vital support to children and families receiving respite and end of life care. Discover Me helps children gain new skills, socialise and express fears and fantasies through Play. Sessions take place in and outside hospitals so that all children can get involved in a range of sensory walks, nature games, and biodiversity activities. We’re thrilled to be part of Go2Play and can’t wait to get started! www.inspiringscotland.org.uk/our-funds/go-2-play

Another one flies the nest!

This spring, we’re especially proud that following four years of selfless volunteering, the Watford Green Gym®`is now fully independent. Dedicated volunteers, supported by intu, Watford Council and TCV, have amassed over 12,000 hours, working to improve local spaces. Now forming part of TCV’s Community Network, their new committee has toiled tirelessly to fundraise for their future; securing grants from The Chestnut Fund, Watford Council and Asda. What’s more, they also were awarded at the Green Impacts Conference for their amazing work in the community! Watford Green Gym growing strong!

Green Gym® sessions run all year round, are totally free and new volunteers are always welcome - visit www.tcv.org.uk/greengym and grow with us this spring!

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Grow on - volunteer with TCV! Volunteering not only does good, it does you good too! Joining in with a local volunteering group can help you be more active and make new friends, while helping others. What’s more, an hour’s Green Gym® can burn more calories than a step-aerobics class!

So, what’s good for the environment can also be good for you too! Whether you dig-in with your local conservation volunteers, join us at a Green Gym®, get involved in your local sports club, or just walk to the place you volunteer - make a fresh start this spring get active, get fit and feel fantastic! Believe us; it will put a spring in your step!

Find a Green Gym near you! www.tcv.org.uk/greengym Join a volunteer group in your area! www.tcv.org.uk/volunteering

Spring into Skelton!

Calling all budding Bear Grylls’! TCV Skelton Grange unveils a new programme of outdoor workshops aimed at kids and adults alike. Get growing outdoors in Skelton’s beautiful nature reserve just outside Leeds. There’s kids bushcraft days and a whole week of outdoor playscheme action, with den building, campfires and woodland crafts; even a two day adventure and sleepover! Adults learn crafts, spoon carving or campfire cooking. Wirework sculptor Chris Moss will create amazing life-sized wire birds that you can take home, and master willow weaver Phil Bradley will return with his incredibly popular willow workshops. Come join in the fun and help us grow! For details: www.tcv.org.uk/skeltongrange or call 0113-2430815

Woodfield kids’ grow for it!

Kids from Woodfield Primary School in Balby dug in during March to plant trees at Tickhill Road Hospital; headquarters of Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation (RDaSH) to celebrate NHS Sustainability Day. The trees form part of NHS Forest’s national project, to plant a tree for every employee working in the NHS. In partnership with us, RDaSH has already planted more than one acre of new woodland at Balby. RDaSH Environmental Manager, Ian Higgins said: “We were delighted the children came to help us with our planting”.

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Foraging with Giraffes at London zoo Last year Camden Green Gym® began a scheme in partnership with London Zoo where volunteers created mulch for the animals from collected leaves, providing many of the zoo’s inhabitants with healthy part food throughout the winter. Recently, as e inabl susta more e creat to ct proje r wide a of als, production of food for the anim s volunteers went back to plant hazel whip zoo’s the for e forag fresh e creat which will d Giraffe’s and other omnivores. As an adde d spen to got bonus, TCV volunteers also time with the amazing animals!

Boris thrilled with BAPs! A garden oasis London Mayor Boris Johnson was delighted when Team London awarded £10,000 to new fitness schemes in Camden managed by TCV. Not only will it help more people get fitter and healthier, it also helps meet Camden’s (BAP) Biodiversity Action Plan! One scheme is a new Green Gym® set up by TCV with Camden BAP. The new Gym, in partnership with London Borough of Camden, is based at GLL’s Oasis Sports Centre in Holborn, and both it and Belsize and Adelaide Green Gym, the other initiative covered by the Team London grant, aim to become independent and managed by the local community.

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Since January 2013, TCV volunteers have contributed over 1000 hours creating the Oasis Garden, a beautiful community space incorporating raised beds to grow food and edible flowers with seating areas to sit and relax inside the Oasis sport centre in Holborn.

Volunteers worked throughout the winter gales to get everything ready for spring planting and they aim to recruit 40 new volunteers by July. The Oasis Garden Green Gym® now runs free horticultural sessions every Saturday, so join in and feel good this spring!

Michele Taylor - Oasis Green Gym: ggoasis@tcv.org.uk/ 07717494476 Belsize and Adelaide Green Gym: belsizeadelaidegg@gmail.com Laurence Clapdorp - Camden Green Gym: gg-camden@tcv.org.uk/ 077696423

JOIN IN, FEEL GOOD

Test your knowledge

with our Great Green Quiz and win yourself a prize

1. What is Britain’s (unofficial) national bird?

2. Oldest native tree species in UK? 3. Name two of Britain’s endangered tree species?

4. Which native tree species’ wood becomes hard as stone when immersed in water?

5. What root vegetable contains Trytophan – also contained in chocolate, which contributes to a sense of wellbeing?

6. In 640 AD, Welsh soldiers fighting the Saxons wore Leeks to distinguish themselves from their enemy.

Where were they worn?

7. Which civilisation worshipped the onion, believing it to symbolise eternal life?

8. What Hollywood actor was the inspiration for Bugs Bunny’s love of carrots? to Sedum Send your entries ay, Doncaster House, Mallard W ly email them to DN4 8DB or simip .uk. supportus@tcv.org

t for other fun Keep your eye ou TCV in the competitions with be submitted by future. Entries to July 15th 2014’ www.tcv.org.uk 13

Join in, feel good Congratulations to Lorraine Forman, winner of the Winter Photo Competition, who won our mystery prize!

Take Roots with you wherever you go this spring and send a picture of yourself with a copy of Roots in your favourite green spaces - you could win a unique prize from the TCV shop for the best picture!

E-mail all your entries to supportus@tcv.org.uk quoting - ‘Competition’.

Closing date for all competition entries is July 15th 2014.

From Penge to Kirk Yetholm!

Penge Green Gym® volunteer, Dave Fergusson is already committed to helping his community grow. But now Dave is growing further than ever before, taking on a 270 mile hike; walking the Pennine Way from 24th June to 13th July to raise funds for his Green Gym. Dave’s incredible journey will take him across the backbone of England and promises to be an unforgettable experience. He told us: “It will certainly be a challenge; I’ll need to build up my endurance, my mental strength and my stamina too.” We wish Dave the best of luck on his heroic trek, and hope you’ll support him by making a donation at: http://gogetfunding.com/project/daveswalk or at: http://www.pengegreengym.org.uk/fundraising-walk/ Follow Dave’s progress at https://tagboard.com/DavesWalk/159873 14 Join in, feel good

RETAIL

Choctastic cake club!

Recently, the TCV shop in Sheffield covertly played host to an afterhours event known as the ‘Clandestine Cake Club’. Chocolate cake was the theme and there were over 16 fabulously decadent cakes to try, inspiring Denisa, our shop manager, to submit her own secret recipe. The evening was a terrific success and we received some great donations.

So much so, the club is planning another secret meeting at the shop soon.

So, if you’re planning an afterhour’s community activity in Sheffield, pop in – speak with Denisa and see if TCV can help you. As for the cake? Sorry, we ate it all!

So, whatever you need for the outdoors, you’ll find it tcv.org.uk/shop and best of all, everything you buy helps us grow this spring...

Call us on 01302 388 883 or shop online at www.tcv.org.uk/shop

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Enjoyed this copy of Roots?

Share the love – pass it on to friends and family...

SMS text Giving As a charity, The Conservation Volunteers receive no core Government funding for our vital work with people and spaces, so we rely almost entirely upon the generosity of our donors. To donate £3 by SMS, text TCV to 70444 or scan the QRcode with your smart phone. Texts cost £3 plus standard network charge.

TCV receives 100% of your donation. Please obtain bill payer’s permission.

Alternatively you can make a donation through our website www.tcv.org.uk/donate

Thank you!

Organise your own event: Now that spring is finally here, why not help us grow by holding your own fundraising event? Our fundraising packs have all the ideas and practical tools you need to hold your very own tailormade fundraising event, so order one now! Not sure what to do? From Great Green Adventures to Wild Warriors or for the less energetic - the Great Green Quiz, we’ve got something for everyone, so visit our website to download your packs and put some fun into your fundraising with TCV!

www.tcv.org.uk/getinvolved

Find us on

The Conservation Volunteers Sedum House Mallard Way Doncaster DN4 8DB E information@tcv.org.uk T 01302 388 883 www.tcv.org.uk

Thank you so much for your continued support, we hope you will continue to join in and feel good throughout 2014!

Registered Charity in England (261009) and Scotland (SCO39302) Registered in England as a limited company No. 976410 Printed on 100% recycled paper